A fun and interesting way to explore Kaiapoi, ‘North Canterbury’s river town’, is on foot. You can choose the route and length of your walk, along the riverbank and across the Kaiapoi river bridges.

PASSCHENDAELE MEMORIAL PATH (RANGIORA TO/FROM KAIAPOI)

Time/Distance: 8km. Access: Bridge Street, south carpark accessible from Smith Street, Kaiapoi. If biking from Kaiapoi township, take the stop bank along Charles Street to the footbridge. From Rangiora, use the on road facilities at Lineside Road to join up with track.

KAIAPOI LAKES

Duration: 30 minutesLocation: Northen end of Kaiapoi past Kaiapoi Golf CourseIntensity: Suitable for people of all abilities and fitnessDescription of Walk: Kaiapoi Lakes is a perfect place for picnics, bird watching and walking. The immediate and surrounding areas are of high significance to Maori and European history.Facilities: dogs not permitted, picnic friendly, tables and seats

SILVERSTREAM RESERVE

Duration: 45minutesLocation: Silverstream Reserve is located in a rural setting near the settlement of Clarkville. East - 85 & 155 South Eyre Road, Eyrewell; West - 431 Heywards Road, ClarkvilleIntensity: Suitable for people of all abilities and fitnessDescription of Walk: The Reserve is split into two similar-sized areas, east and west, and is characterised by large pastoral landscapes and the clear, spring-fed Silverstream that meanders through the landscape. This will allow walkers to enjoy the tranquil environment, enhanced flora and fauna and sparkling clear stream. This walkway also provides keen fishing people with direct stream access to a long-time favourite spot.Facilities: dogs are allowed on a leash, an off-road car park is located on South Eyre Road

KAIAPOI ISLAND

Kaiapoi Island is the most popular access point to the lower reaches of the Waimakariri River Regional Park.The main entrance to the Kaiapoi Island is at Wrights road, off the old Main North Road Bridge.

Duration: 1 hourLocation: Begins at Courtenay Lake and NCF Reserve, just past the entrance to the Courtenay Stream as it joins the Kaiapoi River.Intensity: Suitable for people of all abilities and fitnessDescription of Walk: The Nature Walk, in the Poynter’s Nature Reserve was badly affected by the Canterbury Earthquakes and is closed however you can walk to the Look Out and see many types of native plants and birds can be viewed.Facilities: dogs are allowed under control, picnic friendly, tables and seats, swimming in placesImportant information: Licensed game bird shooters can shoot at PoyntersKaiapoi Pa - Ngai Tahu Historic Site

Located on Preeces Road, access off State Highway 1, just north of Woodend. The Kaiapoi Pa is a significantly important site for local Ngai Tahu Maori, as this was once a working Pa and was the centre of trade for the South Island - watch this video produced by Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Today the site is a green field of low mounds with a monument and viewing platform.